Channel NewsAsia

Singapore Parliament

MPs on Friday (Mar 13) debated on the Committee of Supply estimates for the Ministry of Social and Family Development before wrapping up the Budget 2015 debate. Several Bills were passed, including the amendment to the Police Force Bill and the Community Disputes Resolution Bill.

Weighing in on the debate over President Tony Tan Keng Yam's address, Ms Tan said she interpreted constructive politics to mean putting Singaporeans first.

SINGAPORE: The reminder for politics to be constructive in the President's address is timely, said Member of Parliament Jessica Tan on Monday (May 26).

Weighing in on the debate over President Tony Tan Keng Yam's address on May 16, Ms Tan said she interpreted constructive politics to mean putting Singaporeans first.

Good policies should be commended as such, regardless of party affiliation, she said. However, if policies do not land so well, effort needs to be put into listening to the ground and dialogues held, so policies can be refined.

Ms Tan also called for early intervention and specific support for disadvantaged groups so social mobility can be supported.

This could mean going down to the pre-school level to enable those in more disadvantaged positions to get a good starting point, and allowing many paths for success. Students should not be denied opportunities to learn because they may be disadvantaged financially, she said.

Ms Tan also said people and companies should be able to take advantage of growth prospects in Singapore and abroad. She stressed the importance of continuing economic development for job creation and urged companies to restructure and tap the local workforce.